Mental Health Struggles and the Price of Instant Fame as an Influencer. Why Are We Losing So many to Suicide? Can we find Balance in this new age technology of social media

The Hidden Cost of Fame: Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Social Media Influencers

National CASA Advocate for Children/Author/Public Speaker/Blogger

Mental Health Struggles and the Price of Instant Fame as an Influencer. Why Are We Losing So many to Suicide? Can we find Balance in this new age technology of social media

TikTok has the COVID-19 pandemic to thank for much of its rise in mainstream popularity. During that time, millions of people were confined to their homes, and the app provided an outlet for sharing daily life, creativity, humor, and personal stories. Even celebrities joined TikTok during quarantine, posting glimpses of their lives and engaging with audiences in new ways.

Today, TikTok has hundreds of millions of users worldwide. While most creators do not gain massive followings, some rise rapidly—sometimes amassing hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers. Whether through humor, authenticity, unique insight, or raw vulnerability, TikTok showcases an incredible range of talented creators.

Sadly, while some influencers go on to live successful and financially secure lives, others face devastating outcomes. The rise of TikTok has also coincided with increased public awareness of influencer deaths. The platform itself does not cause these tragedies, but it often becomes the stage on which deeply personal struggles are made visible—sometimes far too late.

Each of these creators built meaningful connections with their audiences, yet many died long before they should have.

Why Is This Happening?

There are many contributing factors to the rise in suicide among influencers, but one of the most significant is the human need for acceptance. Influencers put themselves in the public eye, often experiencing an adrenaline rush from instant attention, validation, and a rapidly growing fan base.

Then, for some, the unthinkable happens.

The same audience that helped elevate them turns against them. Online bullying begins subtly—with negative comments—then escalates into harsh judgment, ridicule, and, in some cases, relentless abuse.

This is often where the breakdown begins.

Mental health struggles intensify as constant negativity takes its toll, even on individuals who appear confident and resilient. The pressure to perform, remain visible, and maintain approval becomes overwhelming. Many creators document their journeys publicly, continuing to seek acceptance and reassurance while being repeatedly torn down.

Trolls persist. The harassment continues. For some, it becomes unbearable.

Over the past three years, we have seen a troubling increase in deaths among TikTok and YouTube creators. This trend demands deeper examination so we can work toward creating safer online spaces.

There has not been enough sustained attention on this issue—but there must be. It is heartbreaking that so many individuals with bright futures felt that the only way to find peace was through death.

Finding Balance Between Fame and Mental Health

This reality reminds us to be more aware of the people in our circles. Even through screens and social media, words matter. Opinions matter. Judgment matters. Constant negativity erodes self-esteem and self-worth, slowly tearing people apart.

So how do we find balance between fame and mental health?

I believe the key lies in remaining grounded in who you are and what you represent. When attention and recognition arrive rapidly, there is often no time to process the emotional weight of sudden visibility. During this surge of adrenaline and popularity, individuals can lose sight of their original purpose and values.

Self-awareness is essential.

The better we understand our thoughts, emotions, and identity—the clearer our sense of who we are—the better we can protect our mental well-being. Regularly checking in with ourselves helps prevent burnout, despair, and the silent unraveling of hope.

This is a reminder to: